Lake Pend Oreille in Northern Idaho (ID) [1]
Boasting more than 100 miles of shoreline around Lake Pend Oreille on one side and Kaniksu National Forest on the other, Pend Oreille Scenic Byway contains enough outdoor activity per mile to last a lifetime. Two rivers, one at each end of the byway, seem like overkill in an area so replete with recreational value. Don't let the sheer abundance of adventure opportunities discourage you, though. Just do what you can. After one visit you'll want to come back for more.
Whichever end you decide to start on, Pend Oreille Scenic Byway always rewards you with views of clear, inviting water. Don't just look at it, though. Get out of your car and into a sailboat, a kayak, or some hip-waders. Sandy beaches surround Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's largest and deepest lake, inviting you to spend a warm afternoon basking near its shore or swimming at places like City Beach in Sandpoint. This public beach offers volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts, as well as concessions stands and boat ramps. The lake's size and location also make it a great spot for sailboats, powerboats, and personal watercraft.
The rivers surrounding the lake each fill a different need for the outdoors lover. The Clark Fork River to the north stretches across two miles of delta and wetland, making it a popular place for fishing and wildfowl spotting. Landlocked enthusiasts often negotiate the Clark Fork delta in long sea kayaks. Plenty of guides are nearby to offer their services for those new to the sport. The Moyie and Pack Rivers offer plenty of whitewater for thrill-seeking kayakers and rafters as well, offering grade V rapids for the experienced river-runner.
Not to be outdone by the water wonderland on the one side of Pend Oreille Scenic Byway, Kaniksu National Forest on the other side welcomes the outdoor adventurer to hundreds of miles of biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails. Skiers and snowboarders find seven lifts servicing a variety of terrain from hidden powder runs to black diamond backside excursions at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. If you visit during summer months, the resort's lifts take mountain bikers to the top as well. Professional mountain bikers make a yearly pilgrimage to Schweitzer to participate in the NORBA National Race series.
